Several years ago, I entered a contest sponsored by a fellow blogger from Venice. The prize was a lovely cameo from Gioielleria Eredi di Jovon.
Much to my delight, I won and when I knew I was going to be in Venice this spring, I was delighted at the opportunity to visit Marco’s shop on the Rialto and to meet and thank him in person.
Eredi di Jovon Italian Cameos
If you visit Venice, you are sure to visit the iconic Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge in Venice. It will probably be crowded with tourists crossing the Grand Canal and looking at all of the shop windows.
One that will most certainly catch your eye is a window filled with an exquisite display of cameos as well as other jewelry made from coral, turquoise, etc.
“We can’t look at our future if we don’t understand our past and our roots”.
– Marco Jovon
You have found Eredi di Jovon! Step inside and you are stepping inside a family tradition. For three generations and over 80 years, Eredi di Jovon has been and remains a family affair. Their shop has upheld a legacy of craftsmanship and professionalism established by their grandfather in 1934 and which they continue to follow with great pride.You will be greeted by brothers Marco and Alessio who took over managing the store when their father, Bruno, died in 1988. Their mother, Gabriella, is still active in the business, teaching jewelry courses, traveling extensively and still stringing all of their coral necklaces.
“Tradition is everything for us.”
– Marco Jovon
A popular tourist destination,Venice is flooded with cheap imitations of the genuine and very rich Venetian artisan heritage. It’s critically important that the authentic and true artisans and their skills survive and thrive.
The Jovons, who remain dedicated and uncompromising in providing not only superior quality and workmanship but excellent customer service to their clients, are examples of this commitment.
What is a Cameo?
A cameo is an image or design that has been hand carved/sculpted in relief. Typically made from the corniola shell, these designs/images may be from photos or inspired by art, nature or the imagination of the artist.
Due to the relatively soft and uneven surface of the shell, it must be sculpted by hand. A design is chosen and work begins on this miniature work of art.
Patience and an eye for detail are key to creating these precise and intricate works of art. By its very nature of being sculpted by hand from a unique shell, every piece is exclusive and unique.
Using the same techniques as the Romans, the shell is held by wax on a hand tool and the white layer of the shell is carefully removed to the chestnut brown. Once finished, the wax is melted away. The finished piece is set in gold or sterling silver and ready to invite compliments for the lucky recipient.
Other materials lending themselves to carving cameo pieces are red coral and turquoise as well as agate and lava stone which are harder and can be carved partially by hand and by machine.
One of the specialties of Eredi Jovon is creating totally custom cameos pieces from photos. The photo is first translated into a sketch. Then, design elements are combined and the final drawing is presented to the client. Once approved, their original heirloom piece is made and, of course, enthusiastically received with high praise.
In addition to the beautiful pieces that they and their artisans make in their workshop, Eredi di Jovon offers an extensive collection of antique pieces to choose from. I can guarantee you will be persuaded not just by the exquisite workmanship but, by the genuine warmth of Jovon family, to own one of your own.
When you purchase from Eredi di Jovon, you are acquiring a piece of a proud legacy.The next time you’re in Venice, be sure and drop by and say “Ciao!” to Marco, Alessio & Giorgio. Please tell them Victoria sent you and give them a big hug!
Marco and his family have published a fabulous FREE e-book about Cameos!
And, if you’re looking for somewhere special to stay in Venice, Marco has a lovely private apartment for rent.
Please go to Biennale Apartments or contact him directly at marco.jovon (at) gmail (dot)com for information.
Please be sure to include the code: VICTORIA!
6 thoughts on “A Cameo Appearance in Venice”
Wow this is lovely, Victoria. I am sure to visit this place next time! 🙂 and congratulations <3
Grazie Ishita! Yes, something new for next time – isn’t it exciting to even think about next time??
V.
Very exciting indeed 🙂 I wonder when and how it will happen 😉
It remains to be seen! But I’ve no doubt it will happen! 😀
Victoria…you have just become a member of the Cameo sisterhood! My mother had a cameo ring that she gave to me when I graduated from high school…unfortunately it was stolen when our apartment was burgled…I was devastated! I could hardly tell my mom what had happened. I immediately went to Birks, a top jewellery shop here in Vancouver and bought another ring…not the same but…Then when we were in Orvieto we found a small shop not far from the Duomo that has cameos, and I found a modern looking bracelet that had 3 small cameos set into it…I wear it a lot! Thanks for sharing this visit with us…it has brought back a lot of memories!
Phyllis,
Oh, sweet story – you know, I have a pair of earrings and pendant my father brought back years ago from the Naples area and I’ve been looking high and low for them. Hopefully I will find them and with the gorgeous piece I won (which is antique/heirloom) wear them all again!
V.
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